Insecurity can be a dangerous thing for a believer. Insecurity combined with a lack of Scriptural knowledge and understanding can lead to a search for security from emotionalism rather than biblical truth. I have found that some popular Christian music has sought to stroke that need for emotional security through its lyrics, but fall desperately... Continue Reading →
Rethinking Common Advice/Encouragement
There are some sayings that have just become second nature. I have heard them all of my life. I find myself sometimes blurting these sayings out, especially to my kids, without thinking twice. Sometimes I am struck just after such an outburst by the fact that I have never really thought about what that saying... Continue Reading →
Mindshifts in Evangelism (5)
5. We must replace cultural pessimism with gospel confidence. I am a baseball player. At least I used to be. I grew up playing the sport and still miss playing the game. Because of this, one old adage that has always rung true with me goes, "Don't take your eye off the ball." A good... Continue Reading →
Mindshifts in Evangelism (4)
4. Understand how the gospel speaks to every area of our life. Simply put, we must practice what we preach. Our culture recognizes hypocrisy like no other. I am certain that today's believer must attain a more robust understanding of the gospel when it comes to life. The gospel has something to say about every... Continue Reading →
Mindshifts in Evangelism (3)
3. Put evangelistic outlines & presentations in their rightful place. Please don't get me wrong...I love evangelistic outlines. I actually think they are getting better with time. One that has been offered recently, The Story, is the best one ever written, in my opinion, and I have used it in large group and one-on-one settings.... Continue Reading →
What does it mean that God ‘forgives?’
*I began to write this post several days ago, planning to post it sometime in the near future. However, after reading this article this morning about the decision by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to reject the hymn "In Christ Alone," I had to go ahead and get it out. If you haven't read this short... Continue Reading →
Mind Shifts in Evangelism (1 & 2)
As we think about discipleship differently in light of a redeemed self-discovery and self-expression, a necessary mind shift must take place in the way we think about evangelism. Much of this change deals with the way we approach it to begin with. Over the next week or so I will offer some of these mind... Continue Reading →
Discipleship & Identity (Part 3)
After the Apostle Paul draws his comparison between those who are outside of Christ and those who are in Christ, he provides great insight into how we should view self-expression. Ephesians 2:10 has opened incredible insight to me, and I have begun to share it frequently to students, both in corporate and individual settings. I... Continue Reading →
Discipleship & Identity (Part 2)
Before we can walk with Jesus we must understand who we are in Jesus.I believe that. We need something to pursue before we will actually join the pursuit. Now, I understand that knowing who we are in Jesus is something we will be learning all our life. But, we need to communicate to both lost... Continue Reading →
Discipleship & Identity (Part 1)
I admit I just do not get Lady Gaga or the fascination so many have with her. But whether I 'get' her or not, she has become more than a singer or performer. She has become a movement. Arguably her most adored hit, "Born This Way," has evolved from lyrics sung to a full fledged... Continue Reading →
know. be. do. 